ILOCOS SUR – Three people died in separate drowning incidents in the town of Magsingal in this province on New Year's day, Sunday.

The first incident happened in Barangay Pagsanaan Norte.

Students Miguel Perez and Devon Mitchell Ramos, both 12 years old, were overcome by huge waves and strong sea currents.

Ramos was immediately retrieved from the water and survived the ordeal.

Perez was taken out of the water a few minutes after Ramos was rescued, but died while undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Pagsanaan Sur, cousins Rhea Molina, 12, and Erica Mae Jacinto, 11, were met by big waves while swimming.

Molina nearly drowned and is currently recovering at a hospital.

Jacinto, however, didn't make it. Her lifeless body was found floating at sea.

Their grandfather Amado Tamayo,77, tried to rescue them but was carried by huge waves.

He died after undergoing treatment in a hospital.

Going to the beach on the first day of the year has become a tradition among some locals who believe in the cleansing effect of swimming on the first day of the year.